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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Can people catch the pneumonia virus
Answered by
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Can people catch the pneumonia virus
by dec377, Jan 12, 2003 12:00AM
I was speaking with a friend and he had said that he had pneumonia a couple weeks ago. He also mentioned that pneumonia cannot be contageous or "caught" . I have always thought pneumonia to be an infection that many people, such as those with compromised immune systems can catch if not careful. Please let me know whether or not this virus can be transmitted to others.
Thank you for your time,
Sincerely,
Kathy
Thank you for your time,
Sincerely,
Kathy
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Jan 17, 2003 12:00AM
, Jan 17, 2003 12:00AM
Generally healthy people do not catch pneumonia. So it is usually thought of as not being contagious.
Many viruses and bacteria can cause pneumonia. When certain germs cause it pneumonia can be very easy to "catch". An example of this is when it is caused by the bacteria streptococcus pneumonia. This is often seen as an outbreak in young healthy military recruits living in the same barracks.
A weakened or compromised immune system will make a person more likely to “catch” pneumonia.
Many viruses and bacteria can cause pneumonia. When certain germs cause it pneumonia can be very easy to "catch". An example of this is when it is caused by the bacteria streptococcus pneumonia. This is often seen as an outbreak in young healthy military recruits living in the same barracks.
A weakened or compromised immune system will make a person more likely to “catch” pneumonia.
Here's an answer from the 1st paragraph of the Pneumonia MedFacts page at the National Jewish website, www.NationalJewish.org/MedFacts/pneumonia.html
PNEUMONIA
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia refers to an infection of the lung. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other organisms. Infectious pneumonia usually is spread by inhalation of infected particles or by aspiration ("swallowing" into the lungs). It rarely can spread through the blood stream from another infected area of the body. Typical respiratory symptoms of pneumonia include cough (with or without mucus), chest pain, rapid breathing, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms of pneumonia include fever, sweats, headache, and weakness. Some people may be at a higher risk of developing pneumonias. These people include diabetics, alcoholics, immunosuppressed individuals (which can occur with steroid use), and the elderly.
Aloha,
Starion